The number of offences that took place in Sidmouth last month is down by 23 per cent, compared to September last year.

Last month there were 30 recorded crimes, nine fewer than in 2016.

This included four offences involving violence and eight without. There was one robbery, two burglaries from homes, one non-dwelling burglary and three vehicle offences.

Police also recorded one shoplifting offence, two other thefts, six cases of criminal damage, one public order offence and one possession of a weapon.

The number of total incidents reported in September was 88,downfrom 107 in the same month last year - a 17.8 per cent drop.

The overall detection rate stands at seven per cent, which is low but Sergeant Andy Squires saidthis is distorted by changes to the way crimes are recorded.